We talked to Hien Le, CEO of Letus, about their new gimbal stabilizer, the Letus Helix Jr. The Letus Helix was introduced last year and made for medium-sized cameras, e.g. C300 and Red Epic. The Helix Jr. takes the same concept and applies it to smaller cameras like the A7s or GH4.
It’s extremely refreshing to see a gimbal product that is different from the Freefly Systems MoVi concept in form factor – which is a concept that many, many other manufacturers copied and sell on the market under different names.
The Helix Jr. has a different form factor which is immediately obvious. It is a more compact design that allows you to bring the camera much closer to the body than the Freefly designs do. Also, the handles are on the side directly next to the camera, so you have a more intuitive operation of the device. A monitor can be mounted on top and there is a less jarring experience than on other systems where the monitor is usually mounted on the handle bar.
With the Helix Jr. it seems much easier to go from low to high angle in one take, which is almost impossible with the MoVi. Also, the length of the camera rig is much less of an issue.
The Helix Jr. can also be put down without a stand, which is a big plus in my book.
Last but not least it can also be used on a multicopter easily by detaching the handles.
The Helix Jr is currently shipping and you can order it at www.letus35.com for immediate delivery.

Letus has announced a smaller brother to the Helix, the Helix Jr is a featherweight stabilizer designed for mirrorless cameras that both weighs less, and handles more weight than the Movi M5.
Haven’t heard of the Helix before? Check out when we caught up with Letus at NAB this year to demo the full sized version.
The Helix is a very unique design; a completely different form factor than what we are used to with conventional multi-axis stabilizers. With its under slung design the camera naturally sits closer to eye level, which can be great for reducing fatigue over long use.
This does remove the top bar, so rigging up with wireless links, follow focus power/motors plus additional monitoring becomes much more of a consideration; this is more of a sole owner/operator piece of gear than the hire out with a full rig & 2/3 man team potential a Ronin/Movi has.
This type of design sheds a lot of weight, at 3.5 lbs. (1.6kg) it’s over a pound lighter than the M5 and with a maximum payload of 7 lbs. (3.2kg) it trumps the M5 by 2 lbs. In flymode it’s even lighter at 3 lbs. (1.4kg) which enables you to connect the Helix JR to a multitude of devices (crane, slide, skateboard).
The construction of the Helix JR also contributes to this, made from magnesium alloy that is not only lighter than traditional aircraft grade aluminum, but is said to be stronger.
Letus: “This material is 2/3 less dense than aluminum (read lighter) but even stronger. It has the added benefit of even better vibration absorption. It’s expensive and dangerous to machine but the benefits are worth it!”
Letus state the Helix JR will be available in early 2015, if the Helix is anything to go by expect this to be pushed back a little; since release of the full version Letus is yet to maintain consistent stock. They are taking deposits for the Helix JR at $300; full price is currently listed at $2899.00.
via/ NewsShooter

A few months ago, at NAB 2014 we’ve been reporting about one of the brushless gimbal stabilisation systems we currently find most intriguing, the Letus Helix.
Hien Le, CEO of Letus gave us a complete rundown of all the features and advantages of the newest version of the Letus Helix.
One of the things most interesting about this brushless gimbal stabilisation system is that it is very light and easy to hold and can be easily operated by a single person. Hien mentions all the other benefits in detail in the video above.
Apparently the Letus Helix is currently on back-order, so if you place an order now you will most likely have to wait a while before it is delivered.
The basic Letus Helix 3-Axis stabiliser is $4000 and can be ordered on the Letus Website.

As expected we’re seeing numerous camera stabilization systems here at NAB that look very much like the Freefly Mōvi and only a few come close to the functionality of the original. But gear manufacturer Letus has something very special to show off. Their brushless gimbal system gives us a fresh look at camera stabilization.

Yesterday I talked about the problems of using the Scarlet-X with a conventional HDSLR rig (or any other lightweight, handheld rig for that matter).
On the left (click on it) you can see one possible solution that will be offered by rig manufacturer Letus.
In a phone conversation with Letus president Hien Le Tu he made it clear to me that they had cracked their head open to get their design right.
You might have heard about the “MCS line” by Letus which they have also developed in collaboration with acclaimed Hollywood (and HDSLR) shooter Shane Hurlbut asc. They’re offering packages for Canon HDSLRs, 1Dx, FS100, F3 and now also Epic and Scarlet-X.

Here is a quick Take on the brand new Letus DSLR cage for the Canon 1D Mark IV. The cage is a great way to add accessories to the 1D Mark IV. Most HDSLR AKS is sized for the Canon 5D Mark II and the 7D. The 1D MK IV has a completely different battery system and this has been addressed with the Letus cage. The top plate is mounted via 15mm rods with great spring loaded tie downs. This system makes it very easy to remove the camera from the cage. There is also a quick release plate on the bottom of the cage. There are plenty of 1/4 and 3/8 inch mounting points on the cage for accessories. The quality is top notch. It also comes with a really cool micro arm. That might not make it back to them for the return.
Small HD has been making HDSLR monitors for a little while. The company out of North Carolina has finally added a “False Color” feature to the Small HD DP6 5.6″ monitor. Small HD has also figured out how to not have the image squeeze when in Record mode with the 5D MK II when it downsizes to SD. This is a great feature of this monitor. I think a first. Click here for a video about the DSLR Record Feature from Small HD.
The DP6 comes with a ton of very well made and useful accessories. The demo we have came with an on board battery, a Canon LP-E6 batter adapter, an HDMI splitter box, battery charger, 1 battery to monitor power cable, a neoprene monitor cover and one of the best sunshades I have ever seen. If only this worked on other monitors! It is so tough that you can carry the monitor with it. The new yet to be released Firmware Update 1.2 will add a “False Color” feature and an additional function button.We are checking out the new Firmware V1.2 for another Quick Take comparing the Marshall 5″ and Small HD DP6. Stay tuned for that.

Sebastian Wiegärtner is giving away a bunch of gear on his site. He is giving away gear from Genus, Jag35, Letus and a Nighthawk Shoulder Rig. There is too much stuff to list. Check out his take on all of the stuff here.
“In about one week I will reach my 5.000th Follower on Twitter. I will celebrate this great moment with many prizes. Thanks to all these great companies, which support my competition! I have decided to create a contest on my Weblog, Facebook and Twitter.”
Click Here To Enter The Contest.